Intensive De-cluttering Techniques for Non-clinical Service Providers: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy Techniques when Working Individually with Clients

Various groups in the United States have used the book, Buried in Treasures, successfully working with groups. This three-day course teaches participants the techniques taught in Buried in Treasures and applies them to work done one-on-one, service provider to client. The course first lays a foundation for understanding hoarding behaviors. Tools and techniques are then presented that can be included in other work done with the client such as work on depression, or as a primary focus if the main goal is to work on hoarding behaviors. Learning will be reinforced through exercises and case studies. There will also be an opportunity for participants to discuss cases that are currently active.

Various groups in the United States have used the book, Buried in Treasures, successfully working with groups. This three-day course teaches participants the techniques taught in Buried in Treasures and applies them to work done one-on-one, service provider to client. The course first lays a foundation for understanding hoarding behaviors. Tools and techniques are then presented that can be included in other work done with the client such as work on depression, or as a primary focus if the main goal is to work on hoarding behaviors. Learning will be reinforced through exercises and case studies. There will also be an opportunity for participants to discuss cases that are currently active.

Comments from previous attendees have been:

“This has been a great education experience. The time (spent) was necessary to fully immerse oneself in the process of understanding how to approach the hoarding behavioral cycle”

“Our presenter was awesome and really helped us understand the nature of over-acquiring and how to support the rehabilitation process in a harm reduction way”

“I feel well-informed and will utilize these techniques”

Comments from previous attendees have been:

“This has been a great education experience. The time (spent) was necessary to fully immerse oneself in the process of understanding how to approach the hoarding behavioral cycle”

“Our presenter was awesome and really helped us understand the nature of over-acquiring and how to support the rehabilitation process in a harm reduction way”

Target Audience and Instructional Level

This course is designed for any non-clinical service provider that works directly with clients who are dealing with hoarding behaviors. While the content is primarily relevant for social workers and case managers, the content is useful to anyone working directly with clients, for example a building manager can benefit from learning these skills.

Agenda

Day 1

Time

Topic

09:00am-10:00am

Introductions

Introduction to Buried in Treasures

10:00am-10:15am

Break

10:15am-12:00pm

Building the Relationship

12:00pm-01:00pm

Lunch

01:00pm-02:30pm

The Hoarding Disorder Diagnosis

How did this happen?

The Rating Scales - self evaluations identifying where the client is most at risk

02:30pm-02:45pm

Break

02:45pm-05:00pm

Unhelpful Belief

05:00pm

Adjourn Day 1

Day 2

Time

Topic

09:00am-10:00am

Overly Creative Thinking

Categories

10:00am-10:15am

Break

10:15am-12:00pm

Attachment

Avoidance

Reducing Acquiring

12:00pm-01:00pm

Lunch

01:00pm-02:15pm

How do they stay motivated?

02:15pm-02:30pm

Break

02:30pm-05:00pm

Techniques for staying focused

The Game Plan - putting the techniques taught into a structured approach for de-cluttering

05:00pm

Adjourn Day 2

Day 3

Time

Topic

09:00am-10:00am

Building the Relationship Part II

10:00am-10:15am

Break

10:15am-12:00pm

Case Study I

12:00pm-01:00pm

Lunch

01:00pm-02:15pm

Review

02:15pm-02:30pm

Break

02:30pm-05:00pm

Case Study II

Assessment and graduation

05:00pm

Adjourn Day 3

Location

About the Trainer

David Bain

With a background in technology, education and psychology, David brings a wide range of skills to MHASF. David has lived in San Francisco since 1984, and has experienced the challenges and changes in the city and the LGBT community over time. His introduction to the mental health community in San Francisco began with an internship at the former Tenderloin Mental Health Clinic as a PhD student in clinical psychology. His training and work in HIV education with the Federal government has prepared him to work with a diverse client base, as he advances the treatment of hoarding and cluttering and removes the stigma associated with finding and keeping. David holds a MS in Education from Southeast Missouri State University.